Box Truck Sizes: Comparing Length, Volume & Payload

Box trucks (also called cube or straight trucks) have a rectangular cargo box mounted behind the driver’s cab. They are the workhorses of logistics, used for local deliveries, moving household goods, and regional freight transport. These trucks come in many sizes: their cargo volume and payload capacity vary widely by model. Below we break down the common size categories, dimensions, and capacities of box trucks to help you understand which type fits your needs.

Common Box Truck Sizes & Capacities

Box trucks are typically classified by length. Light-duty box trucks are about 10–16 ft long (Class 2–3 trucks, GVWR up to ~14,000 lbs), medium-duty are 16–26 ft (Class 4–6, up to ~26,000 lbs), and heavy-duty exceed 26 ft. Typical U.S. box truck sizes include 10′, 15′, 16′, 17′, 22′, and 26′. The table below compares these by interior dimensions, cargo volume and payload:

Size	Interior (L×W×H)	Volume (cu ft)	Payload (lbs)	Typical Use Case
10′	9′11″×6′3″×6′1″	402	2,850	Studio/1BR moves (sofa, bed, small furniture)
16′	16′×7′7″×6′6″	800	4,300	2–3BR moves or local deliveries
17′	16′9″×7′8″×7′2″	865	6,160	Larger apartments (2–3BR) moves
22′	21′11″×8′1″×8′1″	1,200	10,000	3–4BR moves, commercial deliveries
26′	26′2″×8′1″×8′3″	1,682	12,859	3–5BR moves, heavy loads

Choosing the Right Box Truck for Your Needs

• Assess volume vs. payload: Calculate your cargo volume (ft³) and weight. A 26′ truck has roughly 4× the volume of a 10′ truck. But heavier payloads require larger trucks: e.g., a 10′ truck carries only ~2,850 lbs, whereas a 26′ can handle over 12,800 lbs.
  
• Match to use-case: Small local deliveries or studio moves → 10–14′ trucks. Medium moves (apartment or small office) → 16–22′ trucks. Large home moves or big equipment → 26′ trucks.
  
• Check height and width: Most box trucks are about 8′ wide. Height varies (~6–8′ interior); taller ceilings help with stacking. If you need to fit tall appliances or furniture, a higher interior is better.
  
• Licensing and regulations: In general, trucks above 26 ft (or Class 7–8, over 26,000 lbs GVWR) require a commercial driver’s license. Many 26′ trucks are Class 6 (up to 26,000 lbs) and may not require a CDL. Always verify local laws.
  

Box Truck Use-Cases by Size

• 10–14 ft (Light Duty): Best for local deliveries, small retail shipments, or 1–2 room moves. U-Haul notes that 10′ trucks are commonly used for studio or 1BR moves, fitting a king bed, loveseat, and other small furniture. Cargo vans (~10 ft) also fall in this class.
  
• 15–17 ft (Medium Duty): Good for 2–3 bedroom homes or larger retail loads. For example, a 15′ truck comfortably holds a washer/dryer, sofa, dining set and more. A 17′ truck has ~865 cu.ft. to move larger apartments. These trucks often have loading ramps and lower decks for heavier items.
  
• 22–24 ft (Larger Medium Duty): Suited for 3–4 bedroom houses or commercial deliveries. The interior (~1,200 cu.ft.) and 10,000-lb capacity allow moving full apartment contents or bulky equipment. Many local movers and delivery fleets use 22–24′ trucks for regional routes.
  
• 26 ft (Heavy-Duty): Largest commonly rented size. With ~1,682 cu.ft. and over 12,800-lb payload, it handles 4–5 bedroom moves, business inventory shifts, or construction loads. U-Haul’s 26′ “Super Mover” is meant for whole-house moves. Because of its size, some uses (like large tractor units) may require CDL.
  

Market Research Overview

The box truck industry is experiencing notable growth. According to Cognitive Market Research, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2023 to 2030. This steady expansion is driven by increasing demand across several sectors, particularly e-commerce, retail, and urban logistics.

Key market trends include:

• Demand for Electric and Hybrid Models: A significant portion of this growth is fueled by the rising preference for electric and hybrid box trucks, reflecting the transportation industry’s shift toward sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Sustainability Push: Companies are prioritizing greener fleets to meet stricter environmental regulations and to align with global sustainability goals, making electric box trucks a fast-growing segment.
• E-commerce Boom: The rapid growth of online shopping continues to drive demand for reliable last-mile delivery solutions, where box trucks offer the ideal balance of size, maneuverability, and capacity.
• Urban Freight Growth: As cities expand, box trucks are increasingly used for regional and inner-city deliveries thanks to their ability to navigate tight streets while efficiently transporting goods.

Overall, the market outlook signals that box trucks will remain a vital and evolving component of modern logistics, with advancements in fuel efficiency and electric vehicle technology leading the way.

FAQs

• What are the most common box truck lengths?
  Common sizes range from about 10′ up to 26′. Small box trucks are ~10–15′ long, medium are ~16–22′, and the largest is 26′ (Super Mover). 10–16′ trucks are considered light-duty (no CDL), and 16–26′ are medium-duty.
  
• Which size do I need for a 2–3 bedroom move?
  Typically a 16′–17′ box truck works well for 2–3 bedrooms, providing ~800–865 cu.ft. (e.g. Penske’s 16′: 800 cu.ft., 4,300 lbs; U-Haul’s 17′: 865 cu.ft., 6,160 lbs). For heavier loads or extra furniture, a 22′ truck (1,200 cu.ft.) might be chosen instead.
  
• How much weight can a box truck carry?
  Payload depends on class/size. A small 10′ truck is rated around 2,800–3,000 lbs payload. A 16′ medium truck carries ~4,300 lbs, and a full 26′ truck can carry ~12,800 lbs. (These are cargo weight limits, separate from cargo volume.)
  
• Do I need a CDL to drive a box truck?
  In the U.S., a commercial license is usually required for trucks over 26,000 lbs GVWR (Class 7+). According to industry guides, box trucks longer than 26′ or above Class 6 often require a CDL. 26′ trucks are often class 6 (up to 26,000 lbs), so a CDL may not be needed. Always check state regulations and the truck’s GVWR.
  
• What’s the difference between the listed length and interior space?
  The “length” refers to the box length (external trailer). Interior cargo length is slightly shorter due to thickness and cab overlap (e.g. a 26′ truck has ~25′11″ interior). Height and width can also vary by model. Our table uses interior dimensions since cargo space drives usage.
  

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate box truck size depends on both the volume and weight of your cargo. Carefully consider your specific moving or delivery needs to ensure you choose the most efficient truck size for your job.